I'm looking for a new laptop for the gf. As I have a 15.6" we're looking for something a bit more portable but still usable, so ideally something in the range of a 13" screen and less than 2kg. I've had a good look around dabs, laptopsdirect, saveonlaptops etc. and it looks like a budget of around 450 is required.

Now I think I've looked in all the right places, but I'm wondering if anyone here who has looked around recently may have some other recommendations? Perhaps a new or small dealer who hasn't climbed the google ranks yet. Don't think there is much point is cashback offers as the current model has had a troubled life and only has 1/3 of a working screen atm.

This model is currently at the top of the list:
Clicky

I know you prefer a smaller screen but this is the one I am buying for my father at Christmas and is around your budget.

http://www.johnlewis.com/231312980/Product.aspx

It's a shame but a 13" screen / less than 2kg is the priority. As such there is a related premium, we could certainly get more bang for the buck by going for a 15".

I was going to suggest one of the new ultrabooks, but that is outside your price range.

I'd look at Lenovo, Asus and Toshiba, in that order.

Rather than start a new thread I just thought I'd add a query on here. My sister needs a laptop and as she lives within easy walking distance of PC World she's probably going to get it from there. I only have Mac stuff so I don't have that much of an idea about narrowing down the sizeable array of laptops they offer. She's got a budget of about £450....maybe £500.... Preferably a 15" screen; doesn't need to be super powerful as it would be for basic home use plus some light photo editing, etc.

Having had a look on their website they do seem to have some reasonable discounts at the moment. Bearing in mind the manufacturers that big_D has suggested above, would others recommend the same ones? PC World have a Sony VAIO VPCEH1J1E 15.5" at £380, for example....do Sony generally have a good name? Or HP?

Any thoughts much appreciated.

From previous experience I wouldn't have gone near PC world for anything other than to see a product in person, with the idea of then purchasing elsewhere at much lower cost. However I've looked at a couple of their deals and they are the lowest prices, but you have to bear in mind that they buy in bulk and so the stock may not be very current, or even comparable to what other retailers are offering.

I would suggest using the search tools on the dabs or saveonlaptops websites to make a shortlist of the required specs, and then comparing that to what you would get with Pcworld before parting with any cash.

Will do, thanks.

One thing to bear in mind. I know that all of our notebooks that are sold by PC World have their warranties administered by The Tech Guys / Knowhow, who are to put it nicely, very poor at what they do. So just check who administers the warranty as well.